In this post, we'll explore questions that are being tested in the Linguaskill General Speaking test by Cambridge English. This will help us craft strategies for tackling them in subsequent posts.
The Cambridge Linguaskill General Speaking test is a fully online, computer-based test. With a total test time of 16 minutes, the test is to be completed by answering a number of questions split into 5 parts (6 if you count the Warm Up Questions):
| task description | difficulty level | number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| Candidates will answer three simple questions intended to help them warm up. These questions are not marked. | Easy | 3 |
| task description | difficulty level | number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| The candidate is given a topic, with three bullet points, to talk about for 1 minute. The candidate will be given 40 seconds to think. | Easy | 1 |
| task description | difficulty level | number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| Candidates listen to an audio extract of a meeting or tutorial in which four key points are given. Candidates then have 40 seconds to summarise the four key points for a colleague or classmate who was unable to attend. There is no thinking time. | Hard | 1 |
| task description | difficulty level | number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| Candidates listen to and give their opinions in answer to three follow-up questions from the same colleague or classmate about the same topic. Candidates are given 20 seconds to think and 20 seconds to speak for each question. | Medium | 3 |
| task description | difficulty level | number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| Candidates see a friend’s or colleague’s requirements in a text message format, read supplementary information given and then make a recommendation to meet their friend’s or colleague’s requirements. Candidates are given 20 seconds to read the text message, 60 seconds to think, and 90 seconds to speak. | Hard | 1 |
| task description | difficulty level | number of questions |
|---|---|---|
| Candidates are given a statement and have to consider arguments both for and against it. They should reach a conclusion, providing reasons to support their final argument. Candidates are given 40 seconds to think, and 90 seconds to speak. | Medium | 1 |
At the core of it, the Linguaskill General Speaking test evaluates your vocabulary and grammar skills, just like Reading, Listening, and Writing.
However, in the Speaking test, there is the extra condition of having to use your English skills and speak them quickly, with very little thinking time.
Most people struggle with the time/thinking aspect of the Speaking test. Not only must you form an opinion or what you wish to say quickly, you must be able to speak it accurately in one go.
There are some strategies you can apply to make answering the questions easier. These will be taught to you in the next post.
